The father, if 18 or older, if:
1) the mother is legally living in Italy at the moment of the birth
2) the baby is recognized by the father, is a member of his family and subject to his authority.
In case of absence of the above mentioned conditions, the application for the maternity benefit can be submitted, in the name and on behalf of the mother, by the parent holding the parental authority or, if this last is missing, by any other legal representative